Activision Blizzard Opens Media Studio To Bring Its Hot Game Properties To TV, Film

Activision Blizzard is sitting on several lucrative game franchises, and to squeeze even more money out of them, it's launching a new film and television studio that will create original content based on its library of iconic intellectual properties. Former Disney executive Nick van Dyk will co-head the new venture, which has been dubbed Activision Blizzard Studios.

The studio's first production will be Skylanders Academy, an animated TV series based on Skylanders. It has the backing of some talented people, like Eric Rogers (Futurama), who's supervising the project, and Justin Long (Alvin and Chipmunks, Ask Me Anything) as the voice of Spyro. Ashley Tisdale will also provide voice over talent.


"Activision Blizzard is home to some of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, across any medium. With the launch of Activision Blizzard Studios, our engaged fans can now watch the games they love come to life across film and television," said Bobby Kotick, Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard. "Activision Blizzard Studios is yet another way we're celebrating our players and fans, and we expect that our film and television productions will entertain and delight whole new audiences, as well. I'm excited that Nick and his team will be leading this important new growth opportunity for Activision Blizzard."

In addition to Skylanders, Activision Blizzard Studios has Call of Duty on its near-term radar. The specifics have yet to be hammered out, though the studio said it envisions a series of Call of Duty features films first and foremost, and possibly TV adaptations.